Apply a coat of sealer to the floors to protect the surface from grout stains and discoloration. We had a pebble floor in a shower at a vacation rental home and I LOVED it! Our 4 classic tile has subtle ripples for an added dimensional look. ), Number of Water Jets (With Heat Recycling Syllent Pump). 6. The Polite House: Can I Put a Remodel Project on Our Wedding Registry? I used a good sealer 511 brand. These things come from the earth and are therefore considered eco-friendly. Layers of the stone are just lifting off. Slate tiles, and natural pebbles were a terrible design choice. What would you do then? Nor does he waterproof properly but that wasn't your question. That makes all the difference when youre working with just one crew.. I'm looking for colors just like that. Thinset is a mixture of cement and sand, which you will use to lay down the pebbles. Clean and dry your bathroom floor thoroughly before laying down the pebbles. It is an excellent alternative to the traditional shower floor. You be the judge! Allow the varnish to dry for at least a week. I am not happy with results so might have it redone. Leave the floor to dry for 24 hours before walking on it. Thank you all for the encouragement! He says the floor tiles should be at least 1-1/2 inches. Installing a pebble shower floor may seem intimidating, but its a fairly straightforward process as long as you follow the correct steps. The next day put down the floor and following day grout the floor and wall, You are still missing the bottom row of wall tile start cutting the tile after a few hours but do not stand on the tiles just reach in and get the measurement backbutter the bottom tile and let dry. However, the design of the floor surface provides a buffer, so you should be able to maintain it with some elbow grease and time. No problem w/grout but stones seem to have a film unless they are wet. I will never use natural stone in a wet surface again! As the owner of a full-service remodel company with 26 years of experience in the bathroom industry, Marcus and his crew install Bestbath showers like these five times a week. A transfer shower or shower pan has a 36 x 36 inside clearance and a low-threshold height (1/2 maximum). We put pebble tile on both of our shower floors in 2007. This happens when the pebbles get loose and can move and settle within the grout lines. There is a variety on the market in all shapes sizes and colors. Rinse the material regularly to remove excess grout. my yucky old tile needs a bleach cleaner more often than bi monthly but if yours is stinky there may be mold underneath the stone from a leak. We are not done yet but I love it!! After applying the sealer, mix your grout with water to create a slightly thicker mixture. Free Samples and Free Delivery are just some of our best competitive advantages. I do leave the door open until it gets dried and seal it once a year. Solistone went totally mute on what's happening - a lousy, cheap company IMHO. When finished, the bathroom drywall butts up against the Reveal to make a nearly seamless extension of the shower. We are having the same conondrim. The expansion and contraction eventually results in micro fissures in the grout through which water can get between and behind the tile. On one hand they will create a specific design concept to your shower allowing you to play with colors, textures and materials in order to design your ideal shower. We have slightly rounded pebbles. Water-Resistant Because these floors are made of tiny, smooth stones, they help create a barrier between your feet and water. At first I was concerned with all the grout and potential mold. J Design Group - Miami Interior Designers225 Malaga AveCoral Gables, FL 33134Ph: 305-444-4611https://www.JDesignGroup.com. So if you are on a tight budget, this would be a good choice for you. ADA/ANSI A: Americans with Disabilities Act and American National Standards Institute codes, ANSI B: American National Standards Institute codes, California 24: The State of Californias Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings, Width x Depth x Height, measured by the furthest exterior point. Never use natural stone, marble, or anything in a wet area. Pebble shower floors are an attractive option for those looking for a quick and functional update to their baths that doesnt require the installation of new walls or flooring. It is referred to as a transfer shower as it can accommodate someone approaching the shower in a wheelchair then transferring into the shower or onto an optional shower seat. Curb height is measured from the outside of the shower, from the shower floor to the top of the curb. A conventional shower floor can last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. i object to how so many folk's showers lookthat the individual squares still show as squares. 3. Second, pour the cement with a thickness of at least 10 mm. This application has been on several occasions without any issues. Rinse the material regularly to remove excess grout. And how are they holding up? My cleaning lady hates my shower.and honestly I am starting to as well. Any suggestions? I never noticed any damage but don't take my word for it! You should visit our website https://buyhometile.com/collections/pebble-tile we have a large selection of different pebbles and river rocks, only one click away. To ensure the installation of your pebble floors is both easy and successful, youll need to plan and prepare thoroughly. The homeowners wanted a walk-in shower that is durable and easy to maintain. 3. I wonder if an epoxy-type sealant would stop it? Hopefully, this article has assisted you in making the right choice. By installing stone shower floors, customers can upgrade their bathrooms without noticing the change. Pebble tiles as a floor in master bath shower. After 20 minutes, use a wet, soft cloth to wipe off the excess grout. After applying the sealer, mix your grout with water to create a slightly thicker mixture. However, it is still better to know about these minor problems before setting up the stone shower floor. @dclostboy-I bought their grout also, it started because I think it was the thinset that he used and then I had him removed it but I don't think that he removed the whole thing. Pebbles or River Rocks are an ideal solution for shower floors. Just like with silicone caulking, at some point there is usually some separation where the silicone meets the surface, and it needs to be dug out and redone. I have had to use bi-monthly applications of Soft Scub cleanser, with bleach. A soft white crystalline fuzz, maybe some kind of salt formation, forms (more like grows, hair-like) on some of the stones after sitting wet for awhile, and it's those stones that break apart over time. Wonder if you can use the terrific grout we put into our steam shower that is supposed to repel mold/mildew because nothing penetrates it? Dragonfly - If you click on their link, you will see they are located in FL. We are very happy with how the whole bathroom turned out! This is the reason a waterproof membrane behind the tile in necessary. They feel great under the feet. It is referred to as a transfer shower as it can accommodate someone approaching the shower in a wheelchair then transferring into the shower or onto an optional shower seat. Some homeowners have complained that the river rock floors are not as easy to clean as they think. Easy to Maintain: You dont have to seal or grout pebble the shower floor. @twodurangokids @Sayra L. We have the same problem - a Solistone river rock bathroom floor that is slowly breaking apart. After 24 hours or when the grout has dried (whichever comes first), apply a second coat of sealant. Hmmm. 1. They not only had a shower that complimented their own style and home decor, but also a solution that gave them the ability to age in place within their own home. Buyhometile, please identify yourself. But it seems like providing a water tight seal over a small gap is one thing, and filling an area and expecting it to be flood proof day after day is another. I can tell with some of the pictures people posted that some show the seams and others dont. Its a great feeling walking away from a finished project not having to worry about getting a call months later about a leak or water damage, Marcus says. Well, it might for a week, or maybe a month. Do you install shower wall tile or pebble floor "tiles" first. It keeps water from getting into the walls. The raw materials to make a pebble shower floor are rocks, sand, and cement. The tiles do irritate my feet at times. As is the case with any durable surface in the home, its essential to know how long your pebble shower floor will last if you are to get the most out of your investment. Phone: 208.342.6823 Customers overlook the details, but that doesnt mean they dont appreciate them. The most glaring issue was the shower. Still clean and rarely needs any cleaning. A quick recap of the main points weve discussed should give you a clear picture of what to expect from your new shower floor. Can I put this tile in the shower? The first coat will also ensure that the stone is thoroughly coated before applying grout, which can be very messy. Our smooth-walls have no tile pattern or design, but will still look great for years to come with our quality construction and gelcoat finish. I used the shaved pebbles and love it. Along with the added accessibility of the shower pan, the homeowners loved the natural look and feel of the stone. If you are particularly messy and your shower floor has difficulty staying clean, installing a stone shower floor could be a great idea. Marcus installed the shower pan and customized it with the river stone surface in under four hours nearly half the time he would have spent installing a traditional tile shower. I thought extra sealing would stop it, but it hasn't. Please verify if they interlock with one another. If you want to go with the best option, you should take your time and make the proper decision. But all too often, homeowners feel forced to choose between creating a space thats accessible and creating a space thats beautiful. Be sure to mix it well to avoid lumps in your grout. Bummer. In addition, you must keep in mind that your floors will be constantly exposed to water, and you must take numerous preventive measures to preclude any possible damage to your home. 1. Drainage slopes are usually easier for river rock if you have a central drain (and particularly if you have minimal grout around the river rock), it is a little trickier for a sloping drain as the tiler has to grout between the river rock to ensure there is a flow of water to reach the drain - further the distance, more likely to puddle. The first coat will also ensure that the stone is thoroughly coated before applying grout, which can be very messy. Decide if you like a foot massage, then you dont want too much grout to level with the river rock; if you don't like a foot massage, the pebbles risk being drowned in grout.2. When its installed correctly, the river rock shower floor is extremely durable. The silicone element to this, I admit, is a little out of my area. 8. p.s. With the other one, the pebble surfaces are sloughing off. The drain location when viewed facing the shower or tub. Bestbaths Reveal extends the structure and finish of interior walls of the shower to make a 90-degree turn. Yes the skill of the tile setter. Anyone have success/tips/suggestions for repairing these floors? But our contractor says it is not recommended to put that on the shower floor. In fact, there are some old stone shower floors that are still standing strong today. For the complete story on how and why tile is graded for water-resistance, see Porcelain vs. 7. However, water is not the only enemy of the pebble tile shower floor. I don't know what the tile man used for grout. The shower threshold was too high, the floors were slippery and the unit was worn down after years of wear and tear. We love it!!! You need to ensure that the shower floor is entirely free of any dirt, greasy residue, soap, or shampoo that may leave the floor slippery when walking on it. They loom amazing, yet fail to function in the long run. We did two showers with pebbles too. On the other hand, the mesh mounted system will allow your installer to play with the slope of the shower to the drain avoiding the possibility to have puddles. They are available in many colors and sizes and can be installed in about a day. Tips:1. After all, the pebble is just a standard rock. I can only think that it had to do with the quality the pebbles, but the store that sold them to us has gone out of business. Is Method stone and tile cleaner ok? 5. Ceramic Tile: Is There a Difference. Great job! After 24 hours or when the grout has dried (whichever comes first), apply a second coat of sealant. It's especially severe around the drain. A year later, the entire natural stone STINKS. 8 smooth tile with a 4 diamond-tile decorative band. Mine has some visible seamsbut that was installer inexperience with the product. It will then be ready for its final varnish layer. This makes it easier and less costly to maintain. Most of the pebble tile shower floor difficulties are caused by the water. I also don't think that the silicone would hold up that well over time either. Pebbles smoothly fit into any home design making them a seamless transition from old to new. Bestbath has several tubs, all with different dimensions, capacities, and options available. 4. Urethane grout is reasonably waterproof and does not need sealing. As a result, you may experience loose pebbles. As two homeowners neared retirement, they realized aging-in-place was going to be more difficult than they thought especially when it came to the bathroom. SarahBurbach do you remember where you bought that tile floor? Local subcontractor Marcus Cook installed the project. Go big with our with 1218 large format subway-tile pattern. It almost seems like the pebbles weren't solid rocks. How long does a pebble shower floor last? 8. After 20 minutes, use a wet, soft cloth to wipe off the excess grout. Were always satisfied with these projects and weve never once gotten a complaint.. If I was to redo it I would use the grout they now came out with that has I think epoxy? Individual tiles get pulled up and hand set to conceal the joints. I don't find them as comfortable. You can also score or make minor dents on the floor to create a good stone foundation. @armygirl, I used their groutcost a ton, but turned out really nicely and no problem a year later. It was like my feet were getting a massage, not uncomfortable at all and not slick or unsafe either.